Central Province

Religious sites in Central Province

Sacred Sites of Kandy

This collection explores the diverse spiritual landscape of Sri Lanka's Central Province, centered around Kandy. It features the Sri Dalada Maligawa, which houses the Buddha's tooth relic, and the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple complex containing 153 statues and ancient murals. The list includes the 19th-century Anglican St. Paul's Church, the vibrant Dravidian-style Sri Muthumariamman Hindu temple, and Nalanda Gedige, an 8th-century stone structure blending Buddhist and Hindu architectural styles.

Sacred Sites of Kandy — Map

Wouter Hagens / Public domain

A

Sri Dalada Maligawa

Sri Dalada Maligawa, commonly known in English as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is a Buddhist temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

PIERRE ANDRE LECLERCQ / GFDL

B

Dambulla Cave Temple

UNESCO World Heritage site featuring five caves filled with 153 Buddha statues and extensive rock murals dating back to the 1st century BC.

Nirvanatoday / CC BY 4.0

C

Bahirawakanda Temple

Home to an 88-foot-tall white seated Buddha statue on Bahirawa Kanda hill, offering panoramic views of Kandy and the surrounding mountains.

Thomas / CC BY 2.0

D

St. Paul's Church, Kandy

St. Paul's Church is an Anglican church in the historical district of Kandy, Sri Lanka on sacred grounds west of the Temple of the Tooth.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

E

Sri Muthumariamman Thevasthanam

A Hindu temple in Matale dedicated to the goddess Mariamman, featuring a towering, intricately carved gopuram and colorful religious sculptures.

F

Nalanda Gedige

An 8th-century stone temple unique for its fusion of Buddhist and Hindu architectural styles, located at the geographical center of Sri Lanka.

G

Nelligala International Buddhist Center

A modern hilltop monastery featuring golden statues and white stupas, providing 360-degree views of the Central Highlands and Adam's Peak.

Other Lists

Central Province Essentials Hidden Statues & Monuments Natural Wonders Sri Lanka's Historic Treasures